What On Earth Is Going On At The BBC?

The BBC is the world's oldest and still the world's largest broadcaster, but recently it has landed itself in the middle of a storm over the suspension of Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker.
Lineker was suspended, and then swiftly unsuspended, for comments that he made on Twitter about the language used by the U.K. government.
In this video, HITC Sevens examines exactly what happened, why it happened, the broader political context, and how the host of a show which rounds-up highlights from the Premier League almost brought the BBC to its knees.

[@Feneckou]

I love how you're able to include historical and political components into your story telling and linking them very nicely to sports

[@Glethil]

If there was an university dedicated just to that, he would have a masters degree

[@HumanBeingsRThinkingBeings]

Mind Begs the Question: If Jews fled Nazi Germany,Oppression Deemed illegal Migrants Thrown in Detention Camps,Sea,Demonized,Criminalized.. Same as Nazis,No?

[@tipptop9]

No mention of Lineker taking a dump on the pitch though... Very disappointed, as I imagine everybody else on the pitch were!

[@NazriB]

Lies again? Big Brother Cock

[@cimiez1]

Let go humza

[@jeremyforbes5244]

this has been so strange to watch from abroad. the thing that has confused me through all of this is that as someone who has followed Lineker on twitter for a few years now, he has almost always had political tweets. im very lost as to why that tweet in particular crossed the line when he has been actively political for years id like to edit this to say LOL at the people trying to explain the Holocaust to me, a Jewish person who lost his entire extended family in the event

[@Jean0987654321]

Because the Tories inserted their buddies as the head of BBC recently...and they didn't like what he tweeted so they told them to suspend him

[@_Super_Hans_]

Because he compared the UK Government to Nazi Germany? There will be plenty of people in this country and the world namely Jews who would have been considerably offended by that.

[@96wtfomg]

@@_Super_Hans_ The comparison was accurate, because he mentioned the language used. And guess what, he was 100% on point on his comment, and it is the reason stupid tories got their panties in a twist

[@96wtfomg]

Because he criticized Tories, this is why. And Tories can't handle when they are called out

[@12thMandalorian]

the thing is he literally flip flops between opinions all the time

[@lachlanminchin1538]

As an Australian, this story has been interesting because the UK stole the slogan our political parties use. "Stop the boats" was a very successful slogan for our right wing parties, to such an extent both major parties now support it

[@DougieL]

Tony Abbott was the advisor to the UK for this one - they hired him I believe. The Tories think that by stirring up fear about immigrants they can garner the pro Brexit mob's vote come the next election. A long, awful, spiteful campaign, which will ultimately scare little Englanders into believing that 'vote Labour, get illegal immigrants' Disgraceful.

[@scpjack7856]

Both major parties support it here. Labour’s strategy for 2024 is “neoliberal, anti-refugee and anti-trans politics, but not being the Tories”.

[@MegaKapo12]

​​@@scpjack7856 There were no boats when Labour was in power it was trucks and they managed to stop it. Torries created this mess, 150 people in 2019 40k in 2022 and you blame Labour that hasn't been on power for 13 years.

[@MegaKapo12]

It's funny how 1 Australian managed to create this mess and yiu have to get Australian slogans to rry to solve it. It won't work!

[@scpjack7856]

@@MegaKapo12 Who blamed Labour? I'm just explaining their position under Starmer, a position Alfie underlines in the video (they didn't support Linekar until it made them look like populists).

[@jamesdio2902]

Rupert Murdoch’s influence over conservative politics in the English speaking world is terrifying

[@calumbishop7082]

I mean on the plus side; Rupert Murdoch's 92 years old. He has to die at some point.

[@stormlova]

He's already destroyed Australia's media ecosystem and America's.

[@DougieL]

@@stormlova Yep, Ita Buttrose as chair of the ABC and his previous smear against previous ABC leads is proof many might say. Independent media, shared on socials is gaining weight though!!!

[@patmacaleenan]

There’s a stellar book called Billionaires, it’s about Murdoch, Bezos and the Koch Brothers and the degree to which he at one point had the major banks of the world at his knees cannot be understated, he has tainted British politics like radiation, it will linger for decades

[@mikeeroony6683]

100 percent scary bro

[@iainhewitt]

I'm repeating myself, but I cannot believe the bizarre and depressing irony that the Tory response to having their language compared to that of a pre-WWII NDSAP was to bring pressure to bear to silence the critic. They might as well be clicking their heels together and raising their right hands in the air to salute their leader.

[@LordZontar]

If it quacks like a Nazi and goosewaddles like a Nazi...

[@LazarouDave]

@@LordZontar As much as that comment may be accurate, best not to use the word to describe them, unfortunately. They already think they're being called that by Gary Lineker, despite him never using the word...

[@felixwinkler6450]

Well, they finally found a solution to someone they deemed a traitor to the cause. He simply stated that, maybe, we shouldn't be Nazis, at least not all the time. Crazy suggestion, I know. And so of course they fired him for that. It's always interesting to watch who does disagree with such a statement - and good to keep watching them.

[@MCDrB-wq8ed]

And another one. Have you actually read the full statement from Braverman or did you just take the selectively edited cliff notes presented here and elsewere? My money is on the latter.

[@felixwinkler6450]

@@MCDrB-wq8ed Enlighten us, please. A KZbin comment section is the correct place for such a profound and complex discussion, after all. So, please proceed, governor.

[@matnichol]

Spot on Alfie. The BBC have made themselves look ridiculous here.

[@johnnycalv]

More ridiculous you mean. 🙄

[@5593doug]

that's what you get from a very left wing organisation like the BBC

[@daarom3472]

Keane: That's their job Souness: Paul Pogba

[@HPLovecraftsCat87]

​@@daarom3472Tumbleweed blows past.

[@GorgeDawes]

That’s exactly what the current leadership of the BBC was put in place to do. Classic right-wing playbook, run a public service badly then make a huge fuss about how badly that service is performing so that you can justify privatising or abolishing it.

[@basedjenny7362]

Alfie I always appreciate your sense of humor while being able to cover serious topics well

[@alexgreen4322]

It's something we Brits are especially good at, we use cutting words and disguise them with humour;)

[@JimTheFly]

@@alexgreen4322 The Well-Crafted Insult is truly a thing of beauty. When someone just nails it, you simply have to stop for a moment and appreciate it.

[@justefe]

Garry used the BBC platform to highlight issues in Qatar at the start of the World Cup but then uses his private twitter account to criticise the UK Government and gets suspended. Double standards for all to see.

[@LKeet6]

criticised corbyn. surprisingly, the tories had no issue with the lack of "impartiality..."

[@battlep0t]

@@LKeet6 Same with Emily Maitlis. Nothing doing about a tweet saying Labour should stage a coup on Corbyn in 2017, but as soon as she criticises Dominic Cummings she gets suspended from Newsnight.

[@ultimateblaze23]

criticise Qatar then gets on toe plane to go the WC, he is full of hot air

[@VishTheF1Guy]

At this point as a non british person i learn more about uk politics from this channel than from actual tv

[@colonialstraits1069]

I recommend you check out LBC.

[@amonducius]

That's pretty sad. Alfie is not exactly a non-biased source of information.

[@zeeafraud7898]

@@amonducius his agenda comes from a point of compassion and a sense of righteousness unlike our government

[@amonducius]

@@zeeafraud7898 self-righteousness, more like.

[@BigPurp9]

@@amonducius profile pic fits

[@mafiousbj]

When I first heard he was suspended I assumed he was the one saying "1930´s Germany" things on Twitter, not a minister of government who hasn´t looked in the mirror to realize their ancestors were immigrants as well. I´m from Argentina and most of us here descend from immigrants from all over the world (in my case Peruvian and Polish), and had always had massive respect for Gary because of the way he talked about our players, never falling in the silly England vs Argentina rivalry even when he was a protagonist of it. So this hit a bit close to home even if I never watched that show, but it´s so nice seeing how his fellow pundits reacted to it. There´s hope left when people rally together against these populist and nationalistic discourses which are usually brought up when the economy is not doing well to find convenient scapegoats!

[@calum9124]

The people on boats are not immigrants

[@micayahritchie7158]

Argentine immigrants from all over the world?

[@matthewhughes5619]

​@@calum9124 pretty sure the way they travel to the country doesn't change why they're coming

[@calum9124]

@@matthewhughes5619 Because they're all young men scrounging, and lining the pockets of human traffickers?

[@matthewhughes5619]

@@calum9124 scrounging? Pretty sure you know that the majority see the UK as a last resort and they don't have any other choice lmao. Your ignorance is showing

[@Moinul987]

The way Gary Lineker rattled Tim Davie was absolutely hilarious though. Lineker 1 - 0 BBC

[@darthvader4338]

I'm pretty sure it's now Lineker 3 - 0 BBC, and I don't see any comeback from BBC 😂

[@ultimateblaze23]

Its Lineker 0 since he's coming back, if he cared about any of this he would not do that

[@TheComputec]

@@ultimateblaze23 Why?

[@HumanBeingsRThinkingBeings]

Mind Begs the Question: If Jews fled Nazi Germany,Oppression Deemed illegal Migrants Thrown in Detention Camps,Sea,Demonized,Criminalized.. Same as Nazis,No?

[@rbw3000]

Tbh, your channel is criminally underrated. You deserve more views.

[@alexgreen4322]

Alfie is spot on as ever. Just stating the cold hard truths, no conjecture, no misrepresentation, but everyone's words and actions being plainly shown. So the viewer can so clearly see how this debacle is yet another own goal for the UKs growing cesspit of a media ecosystem. The people's channel indeed

[@wonderer9498]

Eh he literally only showed you from a lefties view of things.. like when he mention Lord sugars(jewish man) tweets about corbin and nazis but didn't mention that it was in response to corbin saying that Jews in Israel should be punished and removed from Palestinian land. Or when he mentioned tories at top of bbc but didn't mention that its the tories that are trying to get the BBC license fee scrapped

[@antoinesilva1527]

Honestly, I don’t understand how people could say “don’t mix football with politics” when almost everything in life is a type of politics. Deal & transfer negotiations, etc. is a staple in football and it is undeniably political. That’s why I appreciate people like Alfie, who, albeit not always having the same viewpoints as line, dare to speak the truth.

[@iadmitiamcrazy3400]

Once again, a sports commentator able to explain things a lot better than supposedly more knowledgable political journalists. It is an excellent and concise representation of what was going on. It is probably ask too much for dwelling longer on the far bigger scandal that is the most recent incarnation of "stop the boats" legislation. But then, this a sports podcasts. Congrats and thank you very much indeed!

[@HumanBeingsRThinkingBeings]

Mind Begs the Question: If Jews fled Nazi Germany in desperation Deemed illegal Migrants Thrown in Detention Camps,Sea,Demonized,Criminalized.. Same as Nazis,No?

[@StreetSoulLover]

Goodwins Law - it's an arguement of the lowest intellect - You can do it with anything. The Nazi boogeyman arguement is never far away from any scenario you don't agree with

[@wonderer9498]

Explain things betters?? He literally just explained it through a left leaning view. Not Impartial at all.. like when he mentioned lord sugars(a jewish man)tweets about corbin but didn't mention that the tweets was about corbin saying that jewish people in Israel should be punished and removed from Palestinian land.

[@NatalieLawrence]

Karren Brady, who appeared in the UK's "The Apprentice" is also a member of the House of Lords (made a member by the Tories) and it was also revealed West Ham (she's their Vice Chair) also donated £9k to the Tories. No word on why this is "impartial".

[@oshay333]

Sensational research again Alfie, this will very much shut up anyone who described Lineker as 'lefty woke'...As you describe as a centrist fits perfectly. But foremost is a humanitarian first, people seem to forget that...MOTD is a staple of my life & looking forward to it returning as it should with the regular panel

[@LazarouDave]

You'd be surprised, you could place cold hard facts and evidence in front of those people, and they'd still ignore it

[@thibautnarme6402]

@@adamlennard1828 First, the UK is one of the weakest economies in term of growth rate in the last decade, compared to other major economies like the US and the UK, not in absolute terms. Obviously the UK is not the weakest economy and among the likes of Haiti and Ethiopia. So assuming the UK sees itself as major economy, one could expect it to take as much refugees as the US or EU countries. So no contradiction here.

[@1998Cebola]

@@adamlennard1828 bruh this comment section really proves how completly brain dead tory supporters are

[@willsonj]

@@adamlennard1828 We have a weak economy in part due to our labour shortages, caused by our low birth rate and aging population. Immigrants add to our working population immediately, and are net tax contributors. We need immigrants to sustain our economy, so your logic is completely flawed.

[@LoyalWilliamUK]

Yeah, Gary doesn't mind refugees, as long as their not in his little rich, predominantly white part of the UK.

[@andrewmcmanus24]

I’m going to miss HITC Sevens after the government see this video and shut your channel down 😂

[@HPLovecraftsCat87]

They only do that to the opposite side in fairness.

[@somethinglikethat2176]

We are introducing this legislation that will require all KZbin channels over 20 subscribers to register with the government (fee required), meet this guidelines and be subjected to fees that would bankrupt Apple if we get upset at them.

[@old_man_fran]

One of the worst things about this, is that I haven't anyone actually refute what he said. Because describing refugees and asylum seekers as a swarm that is invading this island IS exactly the kind of dehumanising language that WAS used in 1930s Germany, and other times and places, to get the general public to more easily accept some truly heinous actions. If you take offence of being compared to the Nazis, then don't act like them...

[@brendanclay6209]

Nobody is describing refugees and asylum seekers as a swarm. The problem with it is, not all of these people are genuine asylum seekers. 4 in 10 come from Albania. They’re here for the free 4 star hotels, free food and free money. Nobody is a Nazi for being opposed to that.

[@rgxwrestlingmedia]

I have shouted that very sentiment at my TV many times over the last few days. One of those "if the shoe fits..." type of deals.

[@samwiseshanti]

Ngl that's a very good point. I've been depressed by the amount of criticism I've seen aimed at him, but you're right I've not heard anyone explicitly say that he was incorrect...

[@chrisgoblin4857]

I thought the same thing buddy. Well said.

[@Impostor39890]

Immigration is a good thing, men with spine from foreign countries could fix the low testosterone issue western men are having right now.

[@MustafaAshah-el9nc]

The thing with linker is we all love him. The older ladies for the cheeky schoolboy the grew up watching turning into the most handsome polite and solid man they could imagine. Us boys all loved him for making us dream again watching England and the youngsters for him almost being like a dad on motd. I was speaking to my girlfriend today who is polish and asked her what she thought of linker and she just goes “ the handsome old man you showed me on your fifa team team who did the crisp adverts?. My mother and grandmother thing he is the best thing since sliced bread. My grandfather who’s met him probably 15 times as a local plumber in the town Gary lived in before splitting from his second wife and moving says no matter the day or time he was the same solid and happy chap you see on the tv

[@tomascatelli1852]

I don't understand how you only have half a million subs, unbiased journalism that has more than football to offer.

[@viajaycay]

Non UK resident here but I've been watching motd for over 20years and last week's episode was a jarring shock to the system. Gone were the laughs and match analysis, and it's just highlights, of which I could've watched on other channels

[@jdogg448]

went from 2 million viewers with Lineker and co to 2.5 million viewers without them.

[@willsonj]

@@jdogg448 Because people were interested in the drama, and what this one off would look like. If that was the permanent format viewership would fall dramatically, as you can just get the highlights on KZbin earlier.

[@jdogg448]

@@willsonj shame it didn't go on longer so we could see.

[@wolfen210959]

@@jdogg448 It did go on longer, MOTD2 on Sunday night was only 15 mins. Everyone noticed that the BBC did not announce higher viewing figures for that though.

[@PaxBisonica89]

Tories all over the world have a big mouth about "free speech" unless it's something that offends them, and they'll throw the biggest fit out of anyone.

[@mallardofmodernia8092]

Yep, although most of our parties are full of hypocritical crybabies who will betray their own beliefs and policies to protect their egos.

[@gabsnandes7818]

They forget that free speech is also about being allowed to criticize and question their views

[@iJaxy10]

Insecurity

[@adamlennard1828]

Hmm bit like how liberals cry hate and racist, homophobic etc when people disagree with them. Both sides are just as intolerant as each other.

[@blackbaron0]

Not just the Tories. But you are right.

[@chrollo0427]

When Hitc sevens makes a documentary about you longer than 30 minutes you know you fucked up 😬

[@patrickfrondigoun4145]

I do think, and I posted this on Facebook the other day, that the crux of the saga isn't anything to do with Gary Lineker, or football, or refugees, or left or right etc. It is the fact that MPs from the governing party demanded the public service broadcaster cancel one of its presenters because he criticised government policy, and the BBC kowtowed to them. That should not be happening in a democratic society and it's highly worrying

[@publichearing8536]

It's almost as if the government sponsored propaganda institution adheres to the government, no matter the actual policy. Well, it *is* part of the government apparatus.

[@UnfeelingMonster]

Love the fact you are willing to get political, even when so many (strangely only ever conservatives) scream you should never do so. Keep up the amazing work!

[@publichearing8536]

it may seem like conservatives want to have seperate coverage of political and non-political topics, while some other want to inject their political agenda into the people through as many avenues as possible. I wonder which kind of political movement did these things in the past, say the early to mid 20th century and in some areas up until about the early 90's and some still ongoing outside of Europe. If only there was a book or two about such topics, something with a catchy title like a year or a three word ironic description of the dystopia contained therein.

[@williamlee7672]

BBC got it completely wrong. They dug a hole for themselves and are now embarrassed when apologising to the people and allowing Gary to return to MOTD. Basically Gary won.

[@darwis4769]

I love your video essays, your ability to convey your opinions perfectly while sprinkling some comedy and humor doesn't go unnoticed. ❤

[@oa9606]

As a non Briton, it’s odd seeing non-native British politicians actively working to stop people from migrating to the UK.

[@ALifeOfWine]

When selfish people get rich they don't want to give others the chance they once had.

[@rekzahogk6476]

Are you suggestion non-native British politicians should be pro colonisation? Nice to see the mask off

[@oa9606]

@@rekzahogk6476 where did you get that from? Go rage somewhere else

[@GorgeDawes]

What an odd thing to say.

[@WOOOPdoctorFROGhere]

It's because the Asians in the Tory party are 'high born' and buy into the bullshit caste/class system that is rife in their own cultures. They don't see brown asylum seekers as their equals, they see them as nothing more than lower born, insignificant beings. In their home countries they'd see these people as the underclass born to serve them. Its really no surprise they have no compassion

[@danielfraser254]

Was hoping Alfie would do a deep dive on this debacle. Man of his word, the peoples channel 🎉

[@oneman29]

The Jermaine Jenas quip got me 🤣🤣🤣

[@bababababababa6124]

0:04 was expecting him to say something else there 👀😂

[@bababababababa6124]

@Maeko Reima big black car 🚗

[@debayanbhunia7084]

Bale Benzema Cristiano

[@guguy00]

The Brilliant Blues Chelsea? (I know they're not exactly that right now, this is best I've got)

[@seanmurray7983]

I love the cutaway @ 28:40 of the BBC guy who 'was there for the interview' and they put him on live TV instead of sending him for the Job Interview he was actually there for. Brilliant

[@JimTheFly]

Awesome job once again. I've heard some of what's been going on over here in the States but this really gave me a better and deeper understanding than "Lineker said the government's anti-refugee policy was shitty, the BBC 'suspended' him, and pretty much all his co-workers went 'Naw, you're being dumbasses, Beeb, we're all with him so if he's out, we're out. Good luck with your coverage tomorrow!" Great job putting it all in context for us.

[@KeenAesthetic1]

Your skewering take on topics is Ros Atkins-esque with the brakes off - the clearest take on the saga and a great precis on what's going wrong in UK politics.

[@mullenio4200]

Plenty of people in the UK missed all the rest of this and now just regard Lineker as a multi millionaire communist and immigrant lover. Job done as far as the right wing press is concerned.

[@deltahobonoise]

Again, great video Alfie!!!

[@leikfroakies]

Correction: Labour didn't change their position. They still state that they don't agree with Lineker's language (bc if they do the headlines become about them) but state they don't believe he should be suspended for his views

[@wolfen210959]

Probably because Labour know that the emphasis was taken away from the horrible bill, and the distraction helped the Tories, which is probably why the Tories pressured the BBC into it.

[@somethinglikethat2176]

It's classic opposition politics in their position. Don't make many headlines on non core issues and let the government self-destruct at the next election.

[@tobagostreetpolicestationc561]

Fantastically in-depth! Great, great video! Thoroughly enjoyable!

[@AntoniusTyas]

It's ironic how Rishi and Suella would oppose helping immigrants. Unless those immigrants have as much if not more money than them, apparently.

[@jedross2136]

Fucking difficult to have more money than Rishi

[@akshatgupta4817]

​@@jedross2136 true that

[@epicmarschmallow5049]

Sunak was never even especially rich, he just married a billionaire heiress

[@WOOOPdoctorFROGhere]

Rishi and Cruella don't see asylum seekers as the same as them as they're from a lower social class. In their own countries they're born to serve upper class scum like Rishi - they don't see them as equal humans, so they have little to no compassion about helping them flee war torn counties

[@felixwinkler6450]

Yeah! The upload we've all been waiting for.

[@afshinjanani]

Do one for the France National Team... you know, their women's team. I would love to know what on Earth is going on there!

[@crystalracing4794]

Both their men's AND women's teams are full of crackpots. I sort of know the background between the French women's footballers, blimey.

[@elliotarmitage8704]

im an american and got barely a clue as to british politics, but your analyses never falter. absolutely a voice for the people and for the important issues that actually effect people's lives. god bless ye alfie

[@chrisdickens4268]

Excellently impartial, glad to see you call out Starmer's lot as well as the Tories!

[@rocketmonty9916]

The issues about immigration are horrendously misrepresented by both sides of the argument. Asylum seekers, fleeing war, natural disasters or persecution should always be welcomed here, and to any safe country. Half the issue is that many of these supposed asylum seekers are not fleeing countries for the above mentioned reasons. Many are economic migrants coming, largely, from Albania. They could buy a £300 flight here and enter legally as a tourist, but they wouldn't qualify for asylum and all the benefits that it comes with. Many are paying thousands to trafficking gangs and claiming to come from war torn countries. This issue not only undermines the laws that were established by the ECHR and the UN, but also undermines the public's trust in the asylum system. Gary Lineker does nothing to address this issue and simply played the rather moronic line of 'if you're against this, you're racist' which is wholly untrue. This is not a partisan issue, and taking either side is just moronic. But then again, that is modern politics......

[@timharrison2076]

I've been trawling through this sactimonious lefty virtual-signal ridden comments section and I've finally found a level-headed comment. Lineker's comments are highly dangerous as most of his sheep-like followers who clap along to his drivel fail to understand the destructive consequences of mass immigration. Yes, most 'refugees' are in fact economic migrants talking advantage of the UK's soft touch. This will inevitably lead to less safe streets, more crime and more sexual violence against young white women and girls. Directly or indirectly, Lineker and his supporters are cheering on the social and cultural destruction of the UK and its native white poplation. Yes, the best thing to do here is not take a side. The BBC and Lineker are as morally bankrupt as each other.

[@jonhill7081]

Alfie this is GOLD! Besides your usual level of detailed research, your descriptions of Benton, and particularly Redwood were absolutely spot on too!

[@andres_felipeh]

Thanks

[@HITCSevens]

Thanks Andres!

[@user-s1o3nr532]

One notable absence from those stepping down in support of Lineker was Pat Nevin on 5Live, who as their go-to pundit was more than happy to still appear on the BBC, the only station that will employ him, talking at 100 miles an hour gabbling and slurring his way through the commentary as incomprehensibly as ever.

[@hmkgermany]

Very good well researched and brilliantly edited video full of the best bits explaining this controversy, thank you HITC Seven

[@patrickwilliams6143]

I knew we were through the looking glass when I woke up on Saturday to see that Jeremy Clarkson had tweeted at Ian Wright to say "Good on you mate." BBC fuck ups truly do produce strange bedfellows.

[@Pipemurillo12]

Amazing reporting! I had no idea about the context of the suspension

[@oneman29]

"Defecating into the National Discourse, for more than 35 years" 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@dr_ubo]

Thank you for doing this, I've been reading here and there about the topic but no one seems to be covering the topic thoroughly (probably due to a conflict of interests tbh). You never dissappoint.

[@soundscape26]

I was absolutely sure you'd make this one nevermind my suggestion. It was an open goal. 😄

[@magnussankaran1097]

Bloody brilliant Alfie always at it with the absolute logical destruction intertwined with subtle sarcastic comments. Absolute genius rhetoric

[@jakeferrigno1119]

the beautiful thing about football is its ability to be politically progressive without being related to politics. Due to the multiculturalism of it, swell as the relatively poor background of many players, there's a natural progressive and empathetic view created. So good to see the football community stand behind Lineker

[@publichearing8536]

you can also have an interpretation that is scary close to the questionable race realism of the late 19th century, like nations competing against each other where only the best prevail and triumph over the others. It even incorporated Mussolini's view on the cyclical and inevitable nature of warfare with the same tournaments being held over and over again. One shouldn't go there.

[@JCAM1L0H]

Despite the low view count PLEASE do videos like this. I loved it, politics is hating by many but it’s our livelihood and when it blends in with the football theme I don’t see why it can’t be an interesting video like this one great job

[@skatinho9883]

Top content as always Alfie!

[@johngodman5986]

Why no mention that Gary Lineker played for Leicester when you mentioned the list of clubs he scored prolifically for?

[@L1am21]

He called GB news far right hes an idiot.

[@plkrtn]

"Psychotic little island" and the straight facts fired in this video... Wonderful. You SOB. Take my thumbs up 😂

[@toffeelatte6042]

Of course we've taken less than Germany, look at the size of our country compared to theirs!

[@GardinerAlan]

The laughable defence the BBC seem to be using for Neil & Clarkson is that its ok because they had/have other well-known employment outside of the BBC so their views could/can be separated from their roles at the BBC. Apparently, Lineker's other employment is deemed less obvious - despite the fact he's been an ambassador for Walkers Crisps for decades, everyone knows he's on BT Sport football coverage and he also owns a successful media production company

[@Vargskinn]

Is this Shaun or HITC Sevens I am watching here? And I mean this is a huge compliment.

[@patrickwilliams6143]

Hey, it's not Jenas' fault that he's always Jermaine to the conversation!

[@MilleniumBrz]

Alfie, just wanted to say I love your content and praise you on the sheer amount of interesting videos you are cranking out these days!! Keep it up!

[@leemcdonald1342]

You honestly scared me, Alfie. When I saw the title, I though this was an April Fool's Day video released 18 days early.

[@mathmattix96]

Terrific video Alfie, the quality of your investigative videos are top notch

[@jacklowe3037]

Can I just say this country needs its biggest broadcaster of telly and need to totally unbiased and completely down the middle impartial. The fact it isn’t is scary. All the people like “Lord” Alan Sugar who say all manner of politically sensitive things that are worse with regards to the “impartiality rules” than what Gary said. Yet he kept his job. I think he had a similar brush with the Beeb in 2018 and back then they did nothing cos they claimed he was a freelance that covered sport. Didn’t work for the BBC and wasn’t in news and current affairs so they didn’t do anything. What changed in 5 years. Now just because as an organisation the BBC is totally bent to the right like a flexi ruler. When linker makes a comment even slightly left sided they try to sack him and then only bring him back cos they had no choice. Like WTF man.

[@DrZaius3141]

"Completely down the middle" just doesn't work these days and is often part of the problem. Too often, that devolves into having one expert talking about an issue and for the sake of "balance" putting on a conspiracy theorist moron who spouts lies and doesn't even get fact checked. The far-right has exploited this for ages. You see, most people don't really care or think too much about politics, so their instinct is to position themselves in the middle of what's available. If the far right pushes the border of availability further and further right, the middle shifts as well. If some people say that all trans people should be killed (to be fair, they "just" want to torture them and suffer for a lifetime) and I say none of them should be killed - the middle ground can't be that half of them are killed. What's really needed is a strong footing in facts and science, but too many people are too partisan to ever let logic enter their brains...

[@richardfinlayson1524]

Politics intertwines with most aspects of modern life. Good on you Alfie your always a sane voice,g'day from Melbourne ☮️☯️

[@richardfinlayson1524]

Brexit wrecksit

[@richardfinlayson1524]

Pity they don't get as outraged by the policy

[@Theguyman]

I would love to see you have a go at political videos, you have a proper way with words and easy to listen to

[@MrDavidht]

The end of Match of the Day would be a loss to no one.

[@MikoyanGurevichMiG21]

I actually was eagerly waiting for Alfie's take on this when this whole fracas went down.

[@daarom3472]

when Graeme Souness heard the news on Lineker he was furious with Pogba.

[@crystalracing4794]

Souness's relatives reading out his will at his funeral: "I love every single of you and I want you to carry on like normal in my death. But if you say nice things about Pogba, you'll suffer karma until you die. And when you greet me in the afterlife, be prepared for my wrath."

[@jtjr26]

The thing is if the Conservatives did not make a fuss then Lineker's comments would have largely flown under the radar, just lost in the noise of everyone else concerned about this legislation. Because they had to play the victim and demand Lineker be put in his place they not only placed extra focus. on the issue but also on how the BBC has been corrupted by political (ie Conservative) influence over the last 10+ years.

[@mychannel3774]

This brand of acerbic critique is just _too_ funny. Spot on analysis (as usual), excellent… 😂😂

[@NatalieLawrence]

I'm glad you mentioned Labour's behaviour during this, it was honestly pathetic.

[@blackbaron0]

Bending to the wind is a key political skill.

[@earlsadness6011]

American here, can someone explain in NBA terms? (jk found this channel recently and love the amount of context and humor you throw in your videos)

[@WOOOPdoctorFROGhere]

basically liderally Gary Lineker was a goalscorer penaldy kicker soccer quarderback who played for the Toddenham Hawtspurs they were like the Minnesoda Red Socks back in the eighdees and liderally they were hella good so Lineker was todally wired from drinking so much kwafee and posted on twidder that the Bridish Republican Pardy are acting all cray cray up in here

[@chlcrk]

The irony of the comment at 30:42 likening the increased audience figures to fascination with a plane crash is that following the truncated Match of the Day on BBC One on Saturday was the movie Sully, which is a film about a plane crashing into a river

[@theyoutubeguy1]

Lol.

[@1benfake]

That's a really well-observed piece, Alfie, well done. When are you appearing on Have I Got News For You?

[@crispy7945]

This is a contrived distraction to take attention away from the Hancock WhatsApp messages scandal 👍

[@UTV-my4nw]

It is, you're absolutely correct

[@Farmerg06]

If there ever was a topic more ideal to cover on the channel, I’d like to hear it. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@upthebracket26]

only in the UK will you get cancelled for saying 'lets treat people with respect & dignity'

[@ryleighloughty3307]

Why is "Stop The Boats" insidious?

[@BALHAM69]

a documentary on the afc Wimbledon on the nine promotions in eleven years, how they’re a fan own club and how they have a stadium in plough lane now. The story of they lost the club, how the F A allowed that and won’t allow that anymore. How they were very close to moving to ireland How they went up the English football leagues. It would be a good documentary video if you can do this. #thepeopleschannel

[@chadchadderton]

will there also be mention of the fan owned club (who was massively vocal about being pushed out of their own stadium) coincidentally pushing out an already struggling club from their home stadium for personal gain? #thepeopleschannel should at least cover all the points no? from the amazing highs of wimbledons redemption arc against greedy ownership to their own greed and self interest allowing them to act similar to those who destroyed their club.

[@BALHAM69]

@@chadchadderton Kingstonian are not fan owned from my knowledge They have a supporters club Not fan owned because they have a chairman

[@chadchadderton]

@@BALHAM69 i never stated they were fan owned champ... read it again.

[@BALHAM69]

@@chadchadderton my bad then Up to Alfie if he wants to make that 😊

[@matthewcoombs3282]

@@chadchadderton Kingstonian lost the freehold to their ground prior to Kingsmeadow being sold to AFC Wimbledon. AFC allowed Kingstonian to remain at the ground for nearly a decade as a ground share. 10 years longer than they would have had. The club lost the ground before AFC came along and your post is highly mis-leading. AFC had to sell Kingsmeadow in order to fund in large part the move back to Plough Lane. Sadly Chelsea FC who now own the ground as a site for their ladies and youth team were not so generous in allowing a ground share with Kingstonian.

[@GenialHarryGrout]

Redwood doesn't understand that MOTD is limited on the amount of football action it can show due to it's contract with the Premier League

[@reckless3011]

Real good and important video. It's interesting that you were able to clearly outline some political issues better than some actual politics channels. Maybe you should switch to political commentary? ;) On a side note though: Politics will always be part of every other part of society. Be it sports, art, economics etc. If someone says "Keep politics out of my X", treat it as a red flag.

[@MCDrB-wq8ed]

No, he didn't. The man hasn't got a bloody clue and should stick to football. He missed many, many pertinant facts out, my guess is deliberately, not least of which was the full statement from Braverman.

[@1998Cebola]

@@MCDrB-wq8ed since you are a tory supporter I will go easy on you, as all you lot are r'tarded, but the ENTIRE point of the video is that it does not matter if the statement is true or not.

[@MCDrB-wq8ed]

@@1998Cebola Ah yes, the classic midwit argument. Because somebody doesn't agree with my position he must be 'x'. Not a Tory supporter, mate. I am apolitical, I do not support any one party because I am not a moron. You, however, quite clearly are. People who engage in partisan politics are everything wrong with modern democracy. Go sniff your own farts somewhere else, mate.

[@MCDrB-wq8ed]

@@1998Cebola Oh and I was refering to this channel not Lineker. Once again proving you ain't very bright.

[@WOOOPdoctorFROGhere]

@@MCDrB-wq8ed Tory gammon 👆

[@sounddevastationrecords]

Fantastic video once again, Alfie!

[@ALifeOfWine]

Huh, would you believe it, looks like striking actually works.

[@iamtnarea1503]

This 800k 'loan' that Sharp arranged for Johnson. Some would say it looks like a backhander to ensure he got the job.

[@joeheaton7607]

Hey Alfie, could you do a video on the worst debuts ever. Joao Félix stands out at Chelsea

[@taylorbrydenpro-wrestler]

Roy Keane's first game for Celtic has to be one of the worst debuts I've ever seen.

[@jacklowe3037]

Hold on. For 63 minutes he played a blinder. If he hadn’t got the red card we would have beaten Fulham and he’d probably would’ve got MOTM. Bad debuts are like Saul Niguez, when he started against Villa at home in September 2021 and got hooked at halftime cos he couldn’t pass a ball 2 yards and was more rash than sandpaper. That’s a stinking debut.

[@fadhil2831]

Messi argetina debut

[@jedross2136]

Chris Iwelumo for Scotland. Still get flashbacks.

[@epicmarschmallow5049]

​@@jacklowe3037 except he did get a red card that was largely responsible for Chelsea losing the game

[@foozballguy]

Great video and coverage, thanks Alfie

[@hiramhackenbacker9096]

Well explained Alfie. The "Stop the Boats" slogan was successfully used by Tony Abbot here in Australia in 2013. However he was in opposition then. When he got elected most people realised what a 1950s throwback he was and he became so unpopular his own party dumped him after 2 years. Two elections ago he even lost his safe seat. He remains a hero in some in right wing circles though and a darling of Murdoch. It worked then it can work again they think. They might be in for a shock.

[@keyboarddancers7751]

What was the outcome of the "Stop The Boats" campaign in Australia?

[@hiramhackenbacker9096]

@@keyboarddancers7751 Abbott won the election. There were other issues in play of course but I think that's what got him over the line.

[@somethinglikethat2176]

​@@keyboarddancers7751 there was a large downturn in the number of boats. However the hard-line policy may have been only one of a few factors in that reduction. So the impact of the government's policy is disputed.

[@somethinglikethat2176]

The Aussie Ted Cruz. The Abbott/Rudd election certainly wasn't a highlight of Australia politics imo. I guess it's how the Yanks felt picking between Biden and Trump.

[@GiveEmBeansBAFC]

You have reached a point with your output that I can confidently share it immediately without viewing it first, sure it'll be bob on the money. Congratulations.

[@kinyemibola4386]

Well done Alfie! What a channel!

[@walsh451]

The BBC dose the best possible job to be impartial in its news and current affairs shows. No other broadcaster, newspaper or web based channel comes close to the BBC's levels of impartially. That said, any member of the BBC, should be fully allowed to voice their own opinions on their own personal social media accounts, as long as that's within the confines of UK law. If he had come out in support of this policy, the same people wanting him gone would have said nothing, this argument has nothing to do with, weather or not he broke impartiality and everything to do with him criticising the current government, that's all anyone's bothered about. I find it funny that the same "free speech brigade" are so adamant at taking Gary's rights to free speech away as soon as its not inline with their own political thinking.

[@Gothicgarlic]

How Lee Anderson was ever a Labour man scares me

[@jeepyyyy]

labour had an... interesting foreign policy back in the day, around Anderson's time at labour no less

[@rainydayswithdogs]

Very insightful and entertaining video.

[@XBR4Da]

I haven't watched but I know this videos gonna be a banger

[@XBR4Da]

banger confirmed

[@MrBunney91]

This is a brilliant video Alfie. Th research and presentation is flawless 👏🏼

[@RyuzakiTaiyou]

Best German players in the premier league of all time. (Day 472) I will not give up until the video is made or Alfie himself tells me to stop. Everyone else telling me that will be ignored. If you don't believe my number, just go back to the previous videos. I'm at the bottom most of the time, but I'm there.

[@ishanmisra7472]

BALLACK

[@OfficialLordKermit]

gg for sticking at it

[@epicmarschmallow5049]

Are there any particularly notable German players in the premier league? Recently I can think of Rüdiger and Sané and that's about it

[@OfficialLordKermit]

@@epicmarschmallow5049 ballack?

[@daithimcnally8212]

The new Indonesian guy

[@taison5]

I’m so upset that this weeks MOTD will only show about 40% of the goals, hopefully after this whole scandal though they’ll show a few more than normal.